1 inform Issue 45 | Spring 2017

Head Boy to join the Ivy League Matthew Stafford reflects on his offer to study at Yale, USA. On 15th December, I received an offer Programme. Run by the of admission from Yale University, in Fulbright Commission, this Connecticut, USA. I was overjoyed. programme offers world At the end of August, I’ll head over class help and mentorship to The States to begin four years of to state school students undergraduate study, and I couldn’t be in the U.K. who want to more excited. apply to U.S. institutions. The structure of an American degree I received tuition for course means that I’ll have two years admissions tests from the world’s of general study, in as broad a range of foremost experts, was mentored Yale University subjects as I choose, followed by two through my college essays by none years of more specialised study that less than the Bank of America’s C.E.O., contributes towards my major – and got free entry to the biggest U.S. the subject for which I’ll receive college fair in the U.K.. To top it all my degree title. I’ll graduate in the off, I stayed on Yale’s campus last summer of 2021, and along the way summer during a week in which the will be exposed to the myriad of programme visited colleges around opportunities that Yale has to offer. the U.S. East Coast (including Harvard, Map Data © 2017 Google, INEGI I could write for Yale Daily News - Princeton and Columbia), which was America’s oldest college newspaper quite simply the best experience of my – join a high-class intramural team in life. The upshot of all the hard work Inside this issue... whichever sport I choose, and make of the Sutton Trust is that I’ve gained the most of Yale’s phenomenal links a place at my top-choice university, to worldwide industry for internships. undoubtedly one of the world’s top World of English & Maths 2-3 In short, my time at Yale will be the institutions. I recommend that any experience of a lifetime and will shape state-school student interested in Trips & Visits 4-5 my future for decades to come. the U.S. for undergraduate study Sports News 6-7 So, how did I get here? What did I investigates the programme. do to secure a place at Yale? Well, it Entries for this year’s cohort are now Humanities 8-9 would have been impossible without closed, but next year’s Year 12 would the help of the Sutton Trust U.S. do well to give it a look. Careers & Other News 10-11 2 3

THE WORLD OF ENGLISH & MATHS

WORLD BOOK DAY Year 9 Fire Station Trips Kirkbie Kendal again celebrated World Book Day by having form Year 9s recently visited Kendal Fire groups across the school redesign Station to participate in some activities their classroom doors as covers of involving maths. These activities their favourite books. demonstrated just how much maths is used every day in a fireman’s work Competition was and included checking the hose water intense this year pressure and calculating the volume of and the standard water being used. Pupils also worked was super high. out the length of time a fireman’s Standouts breathing apparatus would last for and included one Year calculated the pressures needed to lift 12 class offering various vehicles. the front cover Some highlights of the trips were of Stephen when pupils got the chance to try on King’s The firemen’s uniforms and use a water Shining, with hose to douse the practise tower. They UK Maths Challenge Mr Hill doing a also practiced rescuing dummies from very passable a blacked out room, mimicking a house On Wednesday 8th March a team of four exceptional mathematicians Jack Nicholson, fire scenario. set out to represent Kirkbie Kendal School at the South Lakes regional and The Cat final of the UKMT Team challenge. At stake was a place in the National in the Hat, by 9.2. Mr Martin’s final in London. door even added a 3D element, Kim Moore in Our team consisted of Luke Tamblin and Will Coxon from Year 9, Isaac with a luggage trolley added to their action, at a Burnett and Sam Wilsden from Year 8. Platform 9¾ based version of reading of The UKMT Team Challenges promote mathematical dexterity, teamwork Harry Potter. her poetry and communication skills. They also give pupils the opportunity to compete against pupils from other schools in their region. The competition has four rounds 1. Group round 10 fearsomely hard maths questions. 2. Crossnumber A Feast of Poetry Half the team have the across clues and half have the down clues, no communication allowed! style; borrowing a structural involved, constructing and sharing feature from a poem that had their work. 3. Shuttle round been shared and adapting the The session finished with Kim Four questions to be answered in eight minutes, the catch is that form and style to their own. reading one of her own published question 2 cannot be answered until question 1 is solved. Again poems, a moving and thoughtful Imaginations were stirred! no communication is allowed. Unique and exciting poems reflection on domestic violence. happened! Everyone left revitalised, their 4. Relay creative juices flowing! On Friday 10th of March, a creative Inventively led by Kim, who also 30 questions gradually increasing in difficulty requiring logical group of sixth form students met heads up the Dove Cottage Poets If anyone is interested in getting thinking with a dash of creativity. involved with the Dove Cottage with Kim Moore, poet, trumpet group who meet twice a month at The contest was hard fought between the 12 schools representing most the Brewery Arts Centre, students Poets (a group of students who teacher and co-director and founder of the Secondary schools in the South Lakes area. of the Kendal Poetry Festival. enjoyed participating, crafting and work with Kim on their own poetry sharing their own poetry writing. writing twice a month at the Our team excelled themselves and after a day of hard thinking, lots of Inspired by some shared poetry Two brave KKS English staff (Ms Brewery – all free), please ask Ms juice and biscuits, they finished the competition in 2nd place! Six more reading and discussion, students Walker and Mr Hutchinson) also got Walker for more details. explored their own poetic written marks and London would have been there for the taking. As always our pupils were a credit to themselves, their families and the school. Next year victory will be theirs! 4 5

TRIPS & VISITS Year 11 Art Visit to Liverpool On the 16th of February, we visited two different places in Liverpool: the Walker art gallery and the Tate art gallery. Firstly, we headed for the Walker art gallery. It was very traditional with much older pieces, such as many Tudor portraits and Victorian paintings. Its Year X Music Students in Liverpool collection dates back from 1819 when the royal institution was given 37 paintings from a collection of William Roscoe, who had to sell his collection Julia Wilson, Year 13, reports when his banking business failed. on her trip to Uganda When we first arrived, there were two statues at Gala Concert the entrance which were Raphael on the right and In January this year I took a two week trip to Uganda, Michelangelo on the left. Both were Italian artists, This October, Africa, with the Christian charity CRMI. The team of 18 draughtsmen and architects. They are recognized Kirkbie Kendal people from in and around consisted of doctors, as highly some of the greatest artists of all time, nurses, teachers, management leaders, musicians and both being highly skilled. School hosted students. the annual As we entered the gallery we were greeted with a The purpose of our trip was to provide free basic medical Westmorland great room containing a colossal stairway. To our care for the community around Bombo, a town 20 miles right there was a room filled with marble statues, Gala Concert. from the capital city of Kampala. This occurred through the room was filled with sunlight and spotless, This is a medical clinics that we set up in churches and schools, and white figures. Many had very Roman features to German Choir collaborative concert between we gave free health check-ups, medication and testing for them. As you walked up the stairway it led up to local secondary schools including diseases and viruses such as Malaria and HIV. I even got to the second floor, this had many doors leading to At the beginning of October, Year 7 visit one of the local hospitals whilst escorting a patient to Dallam School, QES, Kirkby different areas of the gallery, each containing very and 8 students were lucky enough to have an X-ray. Stephen, QKS and ourselves. The different pieces from different time periods. At hear a visiting German Choir perform money raised from the concert I found this experience to be invaluable as I plan to go to the time of visiting an exhibition about Victorian to them. The choir were from Alter goes towards musicians grants University next year to train to be a nurse, therefore being Treasures was on. This included more than 60 Holtz near Kiel and had a mixture of for local players. able to practise taking blood pressures and doing blood paintings. tests will help my future training. Not only this but I had Once we had exhausted the Walker Gallery, we students from ages 13 to 17. The concert contained a large such a life changing experience, as I got to experience visited the Tate, located on the Albert Dock. It They played a range of different range of talent from local schools another culture and lifestyle. was very modern with much more abstract pieces pieces including some in German, including a number of choirs I would and solo performances. Kirkbie - British, international modern and contemporary English and French. It was a brilliant recommend to art. The architecture too was much less traditional Kendal’s performers included opportunity for students to hear live anyone that if and was more unique and bright. The art itself was Thomas Dyer, Sam Nicholls and they were given a music and we look forward to their very creative and interesting. the sixth form choir ‘Chord of similar opportunity visit next year. the Rings’. to me that they Each floor of the Tate was very different. One floor contained an exhibition from the artist, ‘Celile B. We look forward to performing take it because it will change you Evans’. It contained two humanoid robots and a at next year’s concert at QES. and the way you robot dog. It was named ‘Sprung a Leak’. view the world. BY Louis White 6 7

SPORTS NEWS Year 10 Rugby Hockey News “Sports do not build character; they reveal it”. U16 Boys’ Hockey, having finished as County runners-up after The U15’s season has shown the players to be hard an exciting play-off to Sedbergh, travelled to Timperley HC for the working, committed and resilient. Not all of the results Regional Finals in early February. In their 3 games they managed a have gone our way but this has never deterred the win and two draws, and despite failing to qualify for the semi-finals team from getting back out on the training pitch and left with an enhanced reputation having enjoyed the experience. working hard to improve. Jacob ross in the county play offs They reaped the rewards for their efforts at the end of last term, with a close fought victory over Sedbergh away; a team they had lost heavily to earlier in the season. This grit and determination is never more apparent than when the team is behind in a game, something many of the teams we have played have commented upon. Their continued fight and enthusiasm is a credit to them and not something that can be coached. This will stand them in very good stead for the future as they continue to develop as a team. Casey morris breaks from a tackle. Well done lads! The U13 7-a-side ‘A’ team likewise came runners-up (in a The Year 8 hockey team Record Breaking Swimming tournament of 10 teams) to KSGS and will travel to Rossall School for stepped up their game when the Regional Finals in early March. Outstanding performances from they attended the 8 aside County Nicola Capstick in Year 11 has In the 200m Individual Medley Noah Ross, Billy Braithwaite and Ben Montgomery among others Finals. They had some tough enjoyed amazing success in she finished 3rd in the Open ensured dominant performances against and QEGS opposition however continued to swimming this term. Age Group and took the Junior Penrith. GK Sam Weeks was the envy of many other teams’ coaches. battle during all games. Overall She is now Cumbria County Women’s title. She was 2nd in Kirkbie Kendal came 3rd after a the Open 100m Individual Medley Champion in 50m, 100m and 200m The U12 and U13 very close game against Sedbergh and a finalist in the 50m and Backstroke in the Open Age group! hockey team have resulting in a 1-0 loss. This achievement - where one 100m Butterfly, and the 50m and 100m Breast Stroke. Not content continued to train hard swimmer holds all 3 titles – has only on a weekly basis in all ever happened three times! In the with individual triumphs, she also weather conditions, 200 Backstroke she managed to hit helped two Junior Women’s relay helping them to gain a Personal Best in the heat and then teams finish third, with Nicola some great successes. The took over a second off her time in playing a major part in those the final! teams. U13’s gained 2nd place during their 11 aside Nicola also took the Junior women’s She certainly has put herself in the tournament, missing out title in the 100 Backstroke. Cumbria Swimming history books! on goal difference. The girls played three games in total, won two, drew one whilst keeping a clean defensive sheet. The U12 girls have become the South Lakes Champions by winning all six of their games Primary Netball whilst also keeping a clean defensive sheet. Kirkbie Kendal has recently hosted a Year 3 and Year 4 primary school netball festival with over 170 pupils from different local schools attending. Billy Blaydes, Tennis Star During the festival the pupils got some fantastic Billy Blaydes in Year 8 triumphed recently, winning the Under 16 County coaching from our own Year 8 and Year 9 pupils Competition. He also played a regional Under 14 tournament at Liverpool who looked at different elements of the game including passing, footwork over half term, winning that too with an awesome performance in the final. and shooting with them. The primary schools also had the opportunity to To put the cherry on the cake he was part of the Cumbria U18 County team take part in several netball games. All seemed to have a great time whilst who played their County Cup at Sheffield, won, and consequently have the coach’s from Kirkbie Kendal School did a fantastic job. been promoted to division 4: an excellent result! 8 9

HUMANITIES Make It in Manufacturing The ‘Make It’ Manufacturing North West Championship Cumbria Heat took place at Energus in Workington on Tuesday 17th January. Two teams of Year 9 students travelled to the west of the County to compete against schools from across Cumbria. As usual, the teams were asked to set up their own manufacturing businesses and compete to create a new product. The Design Brief this year was to design a new, high end paper based product for the local company Iggesund, who manufacture the world’s leading paperboard brands. Teams were judged on their understanding of the design brief, the successful completion of key tasks and their enterprising skills and qualities. Teams finished the day with a Dragon’s Den style pitch to leading industry experts. Y13 Geographers carrying ouT conservation work Although we didn’t get placed 1st or 2nd this year, Dylan with the local council and Continental landscapes on Hill received a £10 voucher for being recognised as an the slopes of the castle on a misty Friday morning! outstanding student throughout the day. Well done and thank you to all students who took part. The Manufacturing Institute’s ‘Make It’ Campaign is a Year 10 programme of Education and Business linked activities designed to support the school curriculum and to Cartographers create partnerships between schools and manufacturing companies. All Y10 GCSE Geographers took part in a scenario based mapping task using the local example of the 2009 Cockermouth floods. Pupils worked in teams BEHIND BARS Sociology of 5 to create a wonderful range of maps calculating risk areas, identification of physical and human characteristics which may exacerbate flood events, Friday 10th of March saw the We held discussions with were incarcerated nor for how alternative routes between the north and south of inaugural visit of KKS students magistrates; probation workers; long. They were of course two to HMPI Lancaster Farms to prison officers; drugs and alcohol very trusted prisoners. The lady Workington without the bridge, and a report of key experience a brief taste of life in teams and many more; however whose son was murdered spoke information for Police Commissioners to consider such an institution for both the perhaps the two most emotional eloquently about the power of when allocating resources. residents and the prison staff. and fascinating question and restorative justice, and how, not It was a wonderful event that put out classroom theory only had it allowed her to move Year 13 sociologists study Crime answer sessions were those held into a real life setting. and Deviance, and so this was a with two prisoners, and a woman on, but also possibly the two unique privilege to witness life who spoke about the murder culprits. The sessions were delivered by the British Cartographic in a total institution first hand of her son. The prisoners spoke Lancaster Farms is unique in Society and the Royal Engineers (some of whom were to support classroom study, and with dignity, however still painted offering an Open Afternoon for deployed to the actual event in 2009) and KKS is one many questions were asked and a portrait of a strict regime of A level students, and long may of a handful of schools to have this opportunity. dutifully answered. privileges being removed. We it continue. It inspired all who were not allowed to ask why they attended. 10 11

CAREERS & OTHER NEWS

Independent Careers Advisor Year 10 Mock Fiona Heremma is meeting all Year 11 students to please use the following links. Our students begin Interviews give them advice and guidance about their next to use these from Year 9 onwards. steps as well as running drop in sessions for all www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk In February, all Year 10 had one on one mock students on a Wednesday. and www.startprofile.com interviews with employers from around the For more information and careers guidance, local area. Although incredibly nervous, our students were an absolute credit to the school. They were mature, eager and clearly wanted to KKS Students, past and present, helping present well. They all got employer feedback and certainly What’s your lasting memory of cycling thrive in Kendal KKS? learned that it’s better to do a mock interview My lasting memory of KKS would interview with Josh Granger first before the have a real interview for a job have to be the sixth form common they really want. room antics when it seemed like Mrs Timms had to come in almost back from there. I joined KCC After team GB’s amazing every lesson to deconstruct a chair when it started because its nice to performance at Rio, do you fort or put the fridge back in the ride with other people rather than have any cycling goals? kitchen. by yourself the whole time, keeps It’s amazing to see the success that What did you enjoy about your rides interesting and it’s always fun team GB have had not only on the Careers Fair time at KKS? to have a cheeky race up some of track at the Olympics but that the This was probably what I enjoyed the hills. British guys at team sky have had The Careers Fair for Year 9 winning 4 out of the last 5 Tour most about KKS as well, the sense Why do you enjoy cycling? and 11 was held in November de France races. These guys are an of humour of some of the teachers I love racing my bike, nothing with nearly 30 businesses and kept lessons interesting. I can’t inspiration to me, seeing the work beats the fun of doing well in a that they put in and the results organisation joining us. really remember much from before race especially when you know sixth form but the ability to have a making all the training worthwhile Students listened to various that you couldn’t have tried any is what inspired me to race my bike laugh with some of the teachers in harder. The tactical aspect as well workshops about qualifications Years 12 and 13 made lessons far in the first place. Currently a ‘cat needed, progression routes and as the physical makes it even 2’ racer I’m hoping to compete more interactive and enjoyable more rewarding to do well, not the roles and responsibilities of for my university at ‘bucs’ track in What are you doing now? only having to be the strongest that occupation. November and then transition back Work Experience I’m about to start my second year but needing to out think your to the road next year, hopefully There was a variety of local and studying Finance Accounting and opponents creates a buzz unlike keep racing and keep getting good During the week of the 6th other didn’t finish until 9pm. national businesses represented Management at the University of anything else. results. March, all our Year 10 students For many, it was their first including BAE, Siemans, Nottingham. went out for their work taste of real work and came Croppers, University of Cumbria Do you have any advice for experience. as a bit of a shock. Tiredness Sports Department, Brathay pupils at KKS? We had students going to a of a full working week kicked Trust, Mellor Architects, Green Erm, I know everyone tells you to Dental to name a few. work hard and it sounds pretty whole range of businesses in but the feedback has been cliched, but it really does help. such as joiners, accountants, overwhelmingly positive from We hope this provided students solicitors, as well as the small both students and employers. with information and guidance. How did you get into cycling and why did you join KCC? groups of students going to the We are incredibly proud of our I got into cycling as a kid, started NHS and Impact Training. students for showing such a messing about with some friends Some went further afield to mature attitude and fantastic on the mountain bikes. I got my Carlisle and Manchester, some work ethic. first road bike and never looked started work at 6am whereas 12NOTICE BOARD

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Revision tips As our many of our students head for their exam season, it’s vital they start to organise and use their time well. While they will attend revision sessions in school, here’s our top revision tips for working independently.  Sticking post it notes - on a table, on a wall, on big sheets of paper – with key words, themes, topics, definitions, quotes  Creating custom made bookmarks  Using highlighter pens  Creating revision cards  Creating learning mats  Creating a revision powerpoint or screensaver that plays on your desktop  Checking with your teachers for the recommended revision guides  Checking out revision websites (apps are available too now)  Covering your bedroom wall in notes and pics, and linking together – like in a cop show on TV Contribute to Inform  Reading widely, and reading for pleasure Have you got a story to share, an achievement to tell us about?  Sleeping well Then please let us know.  Eating well If you want your piece considered for a future issue please  Taking regular breaks supply all text and images to: [email protected] Design by: www.thedesignworks.co.uk

Headteacher Mr Phil Hyman BSc MA | School Address Kirkbie Kendal School, Lound Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7EQ Telephone 01539 727422 | Fax 01539 729243 | E-mail [email protected] | Website www.kirkbiekendal.cumbria.sch.uk Office Hours Monday to Thursday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm and Friday to 4.00 pm. Kirkbie Kendal School is a charitable company limited by guarantee in and Wales, Company number: 07543834